None of these actions by the Haslam Administration are particularly remarkable. Governors regularly request federal aid in the wake of these disasters. What is interesting is the timeline. The same storm front that caused untold devastation in Tennessee and Alabama, also flattened a town in Arkansas. The result was an immediate declaration of a State of Emergency by the Beebe administration.

While right now may not be the time to ask the Haslam Administration, “why the wait?”, that question does need to eventually be asked (answered above). The damage and devastation in Tennessee was far greater than in Vilonia, AR, which is not to belittle their suffering at all, just to note the overall contrast.

Since late last week officials in West Tennessee have been paying close attention to these rivers as well as other tributaries, eyeing the flooding that will likely be the result of the nearly constant rain that over the past month.

According to eyewitness and news accounts, some roadways in Lake County are already underwater, and water levels on Reelfoot lake are rising, putting all of Lake Co. and sections of Obion Co. in the direct line of fire.

Despite this threat, and the knowledge of an impending 50′ crest of the Mississippi River near Tiptonville, no official announcement has been made by the state regarding preparations to evacuate effected citizens.

I’ll be watching throughout the day for more developments upriver.

Here in Shelby Co., the Register of Deeds has a map showing the 100 year and 500 year flood plane. Select the “FEMA Flood Plane” box at the bottom of the page and type in your address to see where you fall in that designation. Folks within the 100 year flood plane have been advised to prepare for evacuations.